fortunately

adverb

for·​tu·​nate·​ly ˈfȯr-chə-nət-lē How to pronounce fortunately (audio)
ˈfȯrch-nət-lē
Synonyms of fortunatelynext
1
: in a fortunate manner
2
: it is fortunate that
Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Examples of fortunately in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Coronado, California Hotel del Coronado is one of the most iconic oceanfront resorts in the country, let alone California, and fortunately for pet parents, the instantly recognizable property allows pups to tag along for vacation. — Rebecca R. Norris, USA Today, 29 July 2026 The encounter fortunately ended without anyone being injured, but Parks Canada wardens were able to identify the hikers after the video was posted online and racked up millions of views. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026 New York City fortunately has a legal right to shelter for all who are homeless, and last night nearly 100,000 people slept in the city’s shelter systems. — Dave Giffen, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026 But fortunately, trust in institutions in Poland has been rising. — Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fortunately

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fortunately was in 1548

Rhymes for fortunately

See All Rhymes for fortunately

Browse Nearby Words

fortunate
fortunately
fortunateness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fortunately.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fortunately. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fortunately

adverb
for·​tun·​ate·​ly
ˈfȯrch-(ə-)nət-lē
: it is fortunate : luckily
fortunately it landed right side up

More from Merriam-Webster on fortunately

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fortunately

Nglish: Translation of fortunately for Spanish Speakers

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